NMSU / DABCC - Opinions
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Could anyone give me an idea of the community reputation of the nursing programs at these two schools? Any graduates of these programs?
Many thanks to any who respond ....... Read More

Oct 30, '08

I graduated from NMSU-Alamogordo branch and it wasn't too bad. The teachers there are pretty good and they've got their system down pretty well. Also it is a lot smaller than the nursing classes in Las Cruces- my class graduated with 12!
I've also heard the NMSU/DACC programs are very disorganized and everything that other people have said about it. That is very unfortunate. I would recommend the program at the Alamogordo branch, if you can get in.
I have noticed that some of the hospitals here in Las Cruces are pretty disorganized too. I'm really not too impressed. I feel like no one ever seems to know what's going on and you really can't get a lot of help from people. They are great people, just not great professionals.
To anyone not stuck down here, I would recommend NOT coming to Southern NM. If you really want to be in NM, go to Albuquerque. I'm not sure how things are up there but it can't be any worse than it is here. Sorry to disappoint and good luck to everyone.

Nov 21, '08

I graduated from the NMSU BSN Program 2 years ago and felt that the program was great. Don't think that much has changed since then, other than i think the class sizes may be getting bigger. All of the instructors were good and clinically competent. I feel that most nursing programs are pretty much the same... YOU GET WHAT YOU PUT IN. Ask any nurse practicing today about nursing school and they will tell you the same thing. Everyone hates writing the never-ending care plans and trying to cram a lot of material in a short period of time, which is what a good portion of nursing school is all about. Pay attention during all clinicals, because this is what helps you when you actually start working! Paying attention in the classroom will help you pass your boards!

The way the exams are written is ultimately going to help you pass the NCLEX. NOBODY REALIZES THIS AT FIRST! But when it's time to sit for the NCLEX exam, you'll be glad that you've seen that type of multiple choice question before in nursing school.

So, for those of you that dislike the program for whatever reason.... SUCK IT UP and do the work. Nursing school isn't easy anywhere you go. I think the pass rate was a little better than 90% or something like that for my graduating class taking their NCLEX on the 1st time. I've worked with plenty of graduates in my class and with those who graduated before and after me, and all of them turned out to be great nurses... a large portion of them work in the ICU and emergency departments. I'd recommend NMSU's BSN PROGRAM to anyone lookin for a quality education that's easier on your wallet than most big universities.

Nov 24, '08

A lot of people in the program are frustrated by the classes that have NCLEX style questions. The teachers want you to study the book, and they lecture really generally over the same topics covered in the book. Then when the test comes the most common statement is "where the heck did those questions come from?". The questions don't cover the content that was studied at all. Those who study the most really don't get their just dues in terms of a grade, and those who have a feel for the style(and don't study), get good grades!! Its really difficult to attain a grasp for NCLEX style when they don't practice it in class. The Kaplan, Saunders , ect, review books don't help because they are intended for the final nclex not he beginning nursing student. NMSU could be set up so much better, the method to the madness hasn't been seen yet.

Nov 28, '08

nmsumurse,

So, here is my question- would you recommend this nursing school to a friend?

Nov 29, '08

schgrl, did you decide to attend NMSU?

Nov 29, '08

bibibi,

You can PM me. I am new on here and not have not mastered that skill. =)

Nov 29, '08

schlgrl i tried to pm you, but it says i don't have access to do so.

Nov 29, '08

I would say it's dependent on your other options as well as if you want to go to grad school. If you have any inclinations to go and get a master's don't go here! If you're in a C's get degree's mindset, then its an ok place to go. Every semester you will have a class where 20 or so people out of 40 are teetering on the brink of failing, where 5 or so people in your semester get left behind to take that one class again. Its a poor system, its impossible to get a 4.0; on your clinical paperwork your 1st semester in the program your instructor isnt allowed to give you a score better then an 88. To a friend I wouldn't advise them to go, unless it was their only feasible option to get a BSN.

I graduated from NMSU in May. No, I didn't LOVE the program while I was going through it, but after being out there in the nursing world nursing school sounds about the same everywhere. You get what you put in, its tough as hell, but the NMSU program seems to prepare as well as anywhere else, and does have high standards. I was able to graduate with a 4.0 and know a few other people who did as well. The pass rate for NCLEX was very good.

Mar 5, '09

I graduated from NMSU nursing school this past December. I thought it was a little unorganized at times, but I feel like they taught me what i needed to know. We have a 96% pass rate on the NCLEX...so I guess they are doing something right! I passed after 75 questions. The ultimate goal was to pass the NCLEX and have the foundations to become a great nurse..and I feel like they allowed me to do that although me and a lot of my classmates griped throughout nursing school.

I'm not sure about DABCC. I know the community reputation is bad. I've heard they are supposed to get shut down due to their NCLEX pass rates being low. But who kows. I don't think it has much to do with ADN vs. BSN. Don't get me wrong, I'm very happy I got my BSN. Some of the best nurses are have an ADN.

I graduated from NMSU nursing school this past December. I thought it was a little unorganized at times, but I feel like they taught me what i needed to know. We have a 96% pass rate on the NCLEX...so I guess they are doing something right! I passed after 75 questions. The ultimate goal was to pass the NCLEX and have the foundations to become a great nurse..and I feel like they allowed me to do that although me and a lot of my classmates griped throughout nursing school.

I'm not sure about DABCC. I know the community reputation is bad. I've heard they are supposed to get shut down due to their NCLEX pass rates being low. But who kows. I don't think it has much to do with ADN vs. BSN. Don't get me wrong, I'm very happy I got my BSN. Some of the best nurses are have an ADN.

Anywho...I'd recommend NMSU. Good luck.

DACC is NOT being shut down, in fact, probation was even avoided because of changes that have been made. DACC has been under the direction of a "new" director for the past 10 months or so. The changes I have seen as a student are absolutely remarkable. Expectations are set higher, communication is better, and the caliber of instructors (except one "grandfathered" instructor) has increased significantly. The NCLEX pass rate for the graduates of December '08 was 100%. Granted, a few had to learn the hard way that nursing school is not easy, and yes you can in fact fail classes at DACC. Interesting to point out, however, of the students that took "remediation" (4 I think) this semester NONE passed the exit HESI, yet again. So that is on them. The class graduating in May had only 2 fail the exit HESI and from what I understand they have struggled on the brink of failing throughout their entire time in the program.

Nursing school sucks. Nursing instructors do not have time to teach you everything. They are there to (hopefully) lay a solid foundation from which you can learn and expand upon. Personally, I learn more during clinicals than I do during any of the lecture classes. Ask questions. Seek information. Pay attention. Be an adult learner and you will do fine.

We just found out this week that future applicants will have to pass an entrance HESI and I've also heard that face to face interviews and writing samples will be a part of the formal application as well (thank goodness). In my opinion, and in the opinions of many nurses I've talked to at both hospitals, DACC students have superior clinical skills and are beginning to rival NMSU in their book knowledge. The NMSU students I share clinical hours with are not the go-getters my classmates are. NMSU is doing a disservice to their students by not encouraging them to be proactive in seeking out skills to practice. We get our butts chewed and can fail a clinical day if we are seen sitting in the treatment room or holding up a wall somewhere. So much learning comes from just walking up on things happening and asking if you can help. My advice is to not depend on didactic classes, but take every learning opportunity you can in the clinical setting.

I have the utmost respect for students going through any nursing school, and quite honestly, have enjoyed working side by side with peers from both programs. Either program is just fine. But you have to be willing to WORK for your education. It is not going to be handed to you. The medical field is constantly changing so you might as well look at nursing school as a sort of prep for what you will experience in the workplace...regardless of where you decide to work.

Jun 7, '09

Unfortunately the annual pass rate for DABCC/DACC is 68% for 2008, which is what the board uses to determine placing a program on probation. NMSU pass rate for 2008 is 85%.
Here is the link to the Spring 2009http://www.bon.state.nm.us/pdf/news_spring2009.pdf

It was my understanding that the DACC program had been placed on probation. That is what I was told by another faculty.

As to your interactions with NMSU students, Clinical rotations are on different days of the week so that only students from one school are at the hospital on a given day. The exception to this is when students from both schools are in the final semester in the preceptorship, then they work the schedule of the RN they are assigned to. I would have to say thay your limited interaction/observations are insufficient for you to make comparissons of any type about students from another school. Please clarify the amount of hours you actually spent with NMSU students and in what capacity.

I truly hope that the DACC program remains viable. It used to be an exceptional program in the early years and with the nursing shortage it is important to the community.